WHAT IS TARTAR ON TEETH AND WHAT CAUSES IT?
You only get one set of adult teeth so why not take care of them? More often than not people tend to get busy, forget, or simply do not have time to take care of their teeth properly. The result? Teeth that are damaged, stained, and that have things like tartar buildup on them. So what is tartar? Keep reading to find out what it is, how to deal with it, and how to prevent it in the future.
WHAT IS TARTAR?
Tartar also called, dental calculus, is a buildup on the teeth that can cause tooth decay, staining, and bad breath. It can also cause gum disease and other issues that lead to painful teeth and gums. Tartar is calcified plaque essentially. When plaque is not removed fully through flossing, brushing, or routine dental cleanings, it can form tartar which is much harder to remove. Tartar forms when the plaque and the minerals in your saliva combine to form hard deposits. These are difficult to remove, can cause damage to your teeth, and can cause a bevy of tooth issues down the road.
HOW TO REMOVE TARTAR
Tartar is harder to remove than plaque, this is true, it can be removed however at home if it is caught soon enough. Tartar that has just formed or that has only been there for a short time can be removed at home with flossing and brushing. This is not your normal flossing and brushing, but a much more thorough cleaning. You may even need to use something like a water pick to help remove the tartar from teeth. If tartar is very hard or has been on the teeth for an extended period of time or is very expansive, it will need to be removed by a dental professional.
The process at a dentist office is that the dental hygienist will use sharp dental tools to scrape or scale the surface of the teeth and essentially remove the tartar. They may have to remove tartar from below the gum line as well if it is that widespread. By smoothing out the surface of the teeth, the hygienist will help to make sure that tartar and plaque have a harder time adhering in the future.
EFFECTS OF TARTAR
Dental calculus or tartar can cause a huge range of health issues, namely, it can lead to the decay of your teeth. If not removed on a routine basis it can cause weak spots in tooth enamel that make it possible for cavities to form and for decay to take over. Calcium deposits on teeth can also weaken them when the deposit is removed causing chipped or broken teeth. It is important that if you have tartar or you feel as though your teeth may be getting deposits, that you take the time to make a dental appointment.
Dobson Ranch Dental Care offers a huge range of services and can help you take care of any dental issues you may have. They can work with you to remove any difficult build up to provide you with teeth that are clean and tartar free. Taking the time to take care of your teeth is essential and a great dentist is the first step to healthy teeth. Schedule an appointment today.
